'Flashdance' singer Irene Cara passes away, 63


Irene Cara (Facebook)

American singer Irene Cara, who shot to fame via the No. 1 songs "Fame" and "Flashdance," has passed away, her publicist Judith A. Moose announced on social media on Saturday, Nov. 26. She was 63.

JM also wrote: "This is the absolute worst part of being a publicist. I can't believe I've had to write this, let alone release the news. Please share your thoughts and memories of Irene. I'll be reading each and every one of them and know she'll be smiling from Heaven. She adored her fans."

In 1980, Cara shot to fame when she played the role of Coco in the Oscar-nominated movie "Fame" where she sang the title track and another song "Out Here on My Own."

Then in 1984, Cara won an Academy Award for Best Song and the Grammys for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for "Flashdance...What A Feelin."

She also hit the Top 10 with the song "Breakdance."

Cara also performed the hit song "Anyone Can See" which is a favorite tune among Filipino karaoke singers.